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East Africa/Indian Ocean

Vessels are advised to maintain strict anti-piracy watch, exercise extreme caution and keep clear of the position given in this report.
Masters are reminded of the need for continued adherence to Best Management Practices 5 (BMP5) when navigating throughout the entire region of the HRA. The threat of piracy against merchant shipping is always present throughout the entire HRA and Masters are advised to ensure all necessary Self Protection Measures are implemented as recommended in BMP5. Prudent and timely application of BMP5 can make the difference between being approached, attacked or pirated. Please be reminded that BMP5 highly recommends maintaining best possible vessel speed when transiting the HRA.
One of the fundamental requirements of BMP5 is that UKMTO is the primary point of contact for merchant vessels during piracy incidents in the HRA. CSOs should ensure that their ships’ security plans reinforce the BMP5 recommendation that UKMTO should be telephoned at +44 (0) 2392 222060 or +971 5055 23215 in the event of any piracy activity. This should avoid unnecessary delay and prevent inaccurate or incomplete information from reaching military commanders.
If an incident occurs, Masters are advised to report immediately to UKMTO via telephone at +44 (0) 2392 222060 or +971 5055 23215, providing as much information as possible about the incident. This will ensure information is quickly passed to shipping in the area.
If Masters are able to take pictures and/or video of the suspicious activity safely, please provide these via email to UKMTO at watchkeepers@ukmto.org or the Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) at postmaster@mschoa.org. This information will be used by Counter Piracy forces to help combat piracy. Pictures supplied from an attack on a merchant vessel have previously led to the rapid release of a pirated dhow.

BMP5.pdf (1.34 MB)